PLC Technologies for Industrial Automation and Networked Control Systems
Sokratel supports companies in the development, modernization, and integration of PLC-based automation solutions. Our services range from design and prototype development to the further development and maintenance of existing systems.
We have experience with various PLC platforms and manufacturer solutions, including Beckhoff, Bachmann, Siemens, and Phoenix Contact.
PLC Applications for Machinery, Plants, and Energy Infrastructure
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) form the backbone of modern automation and control systems. They perform control, regulation, and communication tasks in production facilities, machinery, power plants, and critical infrastructure.
Our PLC solutions are used in the following areas, among others:
• Industrial Automation
• Mechanical and Plant Engineering
• Wind Energy and Energy Systems
• Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Solutions
• Power Electronics and Drive Technology
• Critical Infrastructure
• Process and Manufacturing Industries
Development of PLC Software and Automation Solutions
We support the entire lifecycle of PLC applications:
Design and System Architecture
- Analysis of Technical Requirements
- Selection of Appropriate Control Platforms
- Development of Scalable Automation Architectures
PLC Software Development
- Development of Control and Regulation Algorithms
- PLC Programming According to IEC 61131-3
- Implementation of Complex Automation Functions
- Integration of Custom Extensions
Integration and Commissioning
- Connecting Field Devices and Subsystems
- Integration into existing system architectures
- Support for Testing and Validation
Maintenance and Further Development
- Modernization of Existing PLC Systems
- Expansion of Existing Functions
- Migration to New Control Platforms
- Long-term support throughout the entire product lifecycle
By combining PLC development, industrial communication, and model-based design, Sokratel helps companies:
- To reduce development costs
- Implement automation systems more quickly
- to modernize existing control platforms
- To reduce communication and integration efforts
- Designing complex automation systems to be maintainable over the long term
Industrial Communication and Fieldbus Integration
Modern automation systems require reliable and interoperable data exchange between controllers, machines, sensors, and IT systems.
We develop and integrate communication solutions for industrial networks with a focus on real-time capability, availability, and future-proofing.
Supported communication standards:
- OPC UA for IT/OT Integration
- EtherCAT® for High-Performance Real-Time Applications
- PROFINET® for Industrial Ethernet Communication
- PROFIDRIVE® for Drive and Motion Control Applications
- CAN and CANopen
- FlexRay®
- custom communication protocols
In addition, we develop firmware, drivers, and communication components for new and existing products, as well as custom automation platforms.
Model-Based Design and Simulink® for PLC Systems
Model-Based Design is becoming increasingly important in the development of complex automation and control functions. Model-based development allows functions to be simulated, tested, and automatically ported to target platforms at an early stage.
Sokratel helps companies integrate MATLAB® Simulink® into PLC development processes and develops solutions for end-to-end model-based development.
Our Services:
- Development of Simulink Targets for PLC Platforms
- Automatic Code Generation for Control Systems
- Development of S-Functions in C/C++
- Integration of Model-Based Development Processes
- Support for MiL, SiL, and HiL Test Concepts
- Integration of Model-Based Design and Industrial Automation
Typical Technologies
Control Platforms
- Beckhoff
- Bachmann
- Siemens
- Phoenix Contact
Programming Languages and Development Environments
- IEC 61131-3
- Structured Text (ST)
- C/C++
- MATLAB Simulink®
Communication Standards
- OPC UA
- EtherCAT®
- PROFINET®
- PROFIDRIVE®
- CAN
- FlexRay®
Customer projects
IIoT connectivity
IIoT connection of wind turbines
From time-consuming on-site maintenance
to remote control and predictive maintenance
SIRIUS OS
Twice as fast to the final software with 30% less effort
Model-based development for drive inverters with SIRIUS OS
HiL testing
Efficient remote tests without test bench conversion
dSPACE test bench with multiplexer for serial testing of three ECUs connected in parallel
Web application
Process optimization through central Multi-project planning with Single point of truth
Proactive advice for individual
process optimization